Killer Psychologist

Killer Psychologist

Download on the App Store

Killer Psychologist episodes

  • 71 - Paper Dope
    A Florida attorney. A jailhouse drug ring. And a synthetic street drug disguised as legal mail. Welcome to Paper Dope.

    Dana Anderson is joined by defense attorney Alex King to unpack the case of Jacksonville lawyer Nathan Williams—arrested in January 2025 for allegedly smuggling drug-laced documents into the Duval County Jail. Authorities say Williams conspired with inmates and their families to sneak in synthetic marijuana, known as K2 or Spice, in exchange for money. His arrest was part of "Operation Stamp Collection," a crackdown that significantly reduced inmate overdoses.

    Linked to erratic behavior, overdoses, and sudden death, “paper dope” is volatile by design—each hit a chemical wildcard. What exactly is it? How is it made? And what happens when the defense becomes the defendant?

    Alex King breaks down the drug, the charges, and the ethical fallout—plus a look at Dr. John W. Huffman, the scientist whose research compound JWH-018 was hijacked for street use. Think Walter White—but legal mail edition.

    📌 Connect with Alex King: https://www.jaxcriminal.com/about-us/alex-king
    🧠 Need a Killer Psychologist? http://www.psychologydr.com




    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to the Case
    02:00 Understanding the Smuggling Mechanism
    05:57 Security Concerns in Jails
    07:01 The Role of Attorneys in Drug Smuggling
    11:53 Financial Pressures and Ethical Dilemmas
    12:18 White Collar Crime Dynamics
    16:12 Chemical Composition of Synthetic Drugs
    19:32 Impact of Drug Smuggling on Jail Protocols
    21:31 Understanding K2 and Spice
    24:02 The Dangers of Misinformation
    27:30 Educating the Youth on Drug Risks
    30:20 The Dangers of Synthetic Drugs
    33:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.

    Book a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.

    Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational puposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.
    44 min
  • 70 - Murder in Family Court
    Custody is supposed to protect children — not bury them. In this harrowing episode, forensic psychologists Dana Anderson and Craig Wetterer expose the fatal fallout of high-conflict family court battles. Drawing from firsthand experience as a court-appointed evaluator, Dr. Anderson breaks down how custody disputes can spiral into calculated violence. True cases include:
    • A mother who fatally stabbed her son after a court-approved Disneyland trip — then calmly called 911.
    • A woman who had her child’s father executed just hours after a judge granted him shared custody.
    • A 20-year-old father gunned down in Mississippi over a custody fight.
    • A double murder during a custody deposition at a Las Vegas law firm.
    Because in family court, the most dangerous thing isn’t losing custody — it’s what someone will do to avoid it.


    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Forensic Psychology and Child Custody Evaluations
    02:09 Understanding High-Risk Parents in Family Court
    06:21 Personality Disorders and Their Impact on Parenting
    10:38 The Role of Substance Abuse in Custody Cases
    15:58 Case Studies: Homicides Linked to Custody Battles
    20:40 Evaluating Competence and Risk in Custody Cases
    25:11 The Importance of Thorough Evaluations
    30:00 Family Dynamics and Violence in Custody Situations
    35:10 The Role of Communication in Evaluations
    40:18 Concluding Thoughts on Forensic Evaluations and Family Law


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.

    Book a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.

    Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational puposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.
    45 min
  • 69 - Inside Juvenile Dependency Court
    Custody cases are meant to protect children — but in juvenile dependency court, the stakes are higher, and the consequences can be irreversible. This isn’t mom vs. dad. It’s the state vs. the parent, with the child caught in the crossfire. Award-winning family law attorney Lauren Johnson-Norris joins forensic psychologist Dana Anderson to reveal what really happens behind closed courtroom doors. From children torn from safe homes without cause, to tragedies like Gabriel Fernandez, whose abuse was reported but ignored, this episode uncovers the silent failures of the child protection system.

    We also examine the haunting case of Shane Miller, a father with a violent past who murdered his wife and two daughters — a chilling reminder of what can happen when red flags are missed.
    And we ask the harder question: What happens when CPS goes too far? When the effort to protect becomes the reason families are torn apart?

    When child protection fails—or overreaches—lives are shattered. Step inside juvenile dependency court with a family law attorney and forensic psychologist who’ve seen it all.

    You can connect with Lauren Johnson-Norris at californiacriminaldefender.com. 

    Hire a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.



    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Juvenile Dependency Court
    03:04 Understanding Parent Education and Advocacy
    06:07 The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Family Dynamics
    09:08 Challenges Faced by Families in Dependency Court
    11:46 The Role of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
    15:10 Systemic Issues in Child Protective Services
    17:55 The Need for Comprehensive Support Services
    21:05 The Role of Mental Health Professionals in Family Court
    26:01 Navigating Mental Health in Family Law
    30:55 The Complexities of Family Court
    34:17 The Intersection of Domestic Violence and Family Law
    38:41 Understanding Firearm Risks in Domestic Situations
    42:28 The Importance of Empathy in Legal Work
    47:43 Improving Child Protective Services
    50:46 Finding Solutions in Family Law



    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.

    Book a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.

    Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational puposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.
    53 min
  • 68 - The Menendez Brothers
    After more than 30 years behind bars, Erik and Lyle Menendez are scheduled for a resentencing hearing on May 9, 2025, following new allegations that the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office is too conflicted to oversee the case fairly. Their defense team argues that decades of rehabilitation deserve a second chance at freedom.

    Netflix’s new documentary, MONSTERS, and the resurgence of public fascination with claims of long-term sexual abuse by their father have reignited the debate: Were the Menendez brothers cold-blooded killers... or desperate survivors?

    Renowned criminal defense attorney Sam Bassett dissects the explosive case of the Menendez brothers — a story of wealth, abuse, and murder that shattered America's perception of family innocence.

    Dr. Craig Wetterer joins to play devil’s advocate, presenting the prosecution’s side and revealing how trauma, privilege, and courtroom theatrics collided in one of the most notorious trials of the century.

    Tune in as we explore how childhood trauma reshapes the courtroom — and why the battle for justice is far from over.

    Connect with Sam on X (formerly Twitter): @SamBassettlaw 

    https://www.mbfc.com/our-attorneys/samuel-bassett


    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to the Menendez Case
    03:07 Legal Mechanisms for Resentencing
    06:18 The Role of Forensic Psychology in Sentencing
    09:29 Risk Assessment Protocols
    12:02 Self-Defense and Abuse Dynamics
    16:05 Political Implications of the Case
    21:01 The Emotional Impact of the Case
    25:37 Learned Helplessness and Domestic Violence
    30:25 The Evolution of Psychological Mitigation
    38:51 The Future of Sexual Abuse Conversations
    43:55 Predictions for the Menendez Brothers' Future


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.

    Book a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.

    Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational puposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.
    46 min
  • 67 - Death Row Diaries
    The road to the death chamber is paved with paperwork, politics—and blood.

    Former prosecutor and criminal justice columnist Matthew Mangino, author of The Executioner’s Toll, pulls back the curtain on America’s executions. His book documents every person put to death in 2010, exposing the names, the crimes, the last appeals, and the cold precision process behind the state’s deadliest ritual.

    From firing squads to lethal injection to the quiet hum of the execution chamber—what are their final meals? Their last words? And what does someone say when there’s nothing left to bargain?

    “It’s not about justice. It’s about finality. And once it’s done—there’s no going back.” — Matthew Mangino

    Step inside the machinery of death. The sentence is final. The questions aren't.

    🔗 Learn more about Matthew Mangino:
    Website: www.mattmangino.com
    📘 The Executioner’s Toll — available now on Amazon.



    Chapters
    00:00 Exploring Capital Punishment: An Introduction
    02:59 Matthew Mangino's Insights on the Death Penalty
    05:58 Trends in Executions and Death Sentences
    08:50 Methods of Execution: Firing Squad vs. Lethal Injection
    12:13 The Role of Psychopathy in Capital Cases
    14:58 Moral and Ethical Considerations of the Death Penalty
    28:46 The Death Penalty: Public Opinion and High-Profile Cases
    35:18 Final Words and Last Meals: Insights from Death Row
    44:28 The Broader Implications of Capital Punishment

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.

    Book a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.

    Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational puposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.
    49 min
  • 66 - The Vegas Courtroom King
    From the Hell’s Angels to the man now charged in the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur, Las Vegas defense attorney Ross Goodman has built his reputation in the eye of the legal storm. A Marine Corps Major turned powerhouse trial lawyer, Goodman is now one of the most well-known and respected names in criminal defense.

    In this episode of Killer Psychologist, Ross shares how he defends violent crime suspects, celebrity clients, and outlaw bikers, all while managing intense media scrutiny and high-stakes trials. His client list includes UFC fighters Nick Diaz and Wanderlei Silva, pro athletes, and high-profile figures whose cases dominate headlines.

    We examine the courtroom strategy, psychological pressure, and public perception involved in defending the accused when the spotlight is relentless and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

    Connect with Ross Goodman:
    • Website: Goodman Law Group
    • Facebook: Goodman Law Group
    • X (formerly Twitter): @rosscgoodman


    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Ross Goodman and His Career
    02:12 High-Stakes Legal Decisions
    06:02 The Tupac Case: Complexities and Challenges
    10:27 Defendants and Their Statements
    15:11 Psychological Aspects of High-Profile Cases
    21:00 The Role of AI in Legal Research
    26:52 The Hells Angels Case: A Young Lawyer's Journey
    28:01 Legal Representation Across Gangs and Organizations
    29:30 The Dangers of Child Custody Cases
    31:44 Understanding Sociopathy in Legal Contexts
    33:21 The Art of Jury Trials
    37:56 Unexpected Verdicts in Court
    41:02 The Importance of Client Preparation
    44:51 Budget Cuts and Their Impact on Justice
    46:06 Navigating Insanity Defenses in Court
    49:09 The Complexity of Mental Health in Legal Cases
    54:41 Conclusion and Resources for Legal Help


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.

    Book a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.

    Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational puposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.
    56 min
  • 65 - The Celebrity Justice Effect
    When high-profile cases collide with Hollywood influence, the courtroom becomes a stage. Attorney David Gelman joins Killer Psychologist to unpack the truth behind the Menendez brothers, Bryan Kohberger, and Sean “Diddy” Combs. From Kim Kardashian’s public advocacy to the media’s grip on public perception, we explore the tension between celebrity influence and cold, hard evidence. 

    Spoiler: Gelman believes the Menendez brothers should stay exactly where they are. 

    As a former prosecutor and seasoned criminal defense attorney, Gelman breaks down the legal realities behind the headlines. He weighs in on the media firestorm surrounding Bryan Kohberger’s defense strategy, the federal investigation into Sean Combs, the lawsuit involving actress Blake Lively and the film It Ends With Us, and the chaos surrounding the Karen Read trial—where a former juror shocked the public by joining the defense team. 

    This episode pulls back the curtain on what really happens when fame, media, and justice collide.

    Don’t forget to follow for more true crime and courtroom psychology. 
    IG: @dr.dana_anderson 
    X: https://x.com/drdanaanderson

    Connect with David Gelman:  
    IG: https://www.instagram.com/davidgelmanesq
    X: https://x.com/DavidGelmanEsq

    Follow Craig Wetterer on LinkedIn: 
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigwetterer


    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Celebrity Justice
    03:10 The Menendez Brothers Case: A Deep Dive
    06:02 The Role of Media in Shaping Public Perception
    08:52 Legal Implications of Celebrity Influence
    11:58 The Impact of Sensationalism on Jury Selection
    15:03 The Karen Reed Case: Mistrials and Juror Ethics
    18:06 Comparative Analysis: Prosecution vs. Defense Strategies
    22:35 Analyzing Evidence and Defense Strategies
    25:01 Understanding Brady Violations in Legal Cases
    28:27 The Prospects of Trial and Sentencing
    30:28 Celebrity Legal Battles and Public Perception
    34:04 The Risks of Psychological Evaluations in Trials
    37:16 Diddy's Legal Challenges and Jury Dynamics      

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.

    Book a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.

    Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational puposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.
    44 min
  • 64 - Killer Nurses
    Not every killer hides in the shadows—some wear scrubs.

    They weren’t stalking dark alleys—they were standing at your bedside, armed with syringes, IV bags, and your blind trust. Explore the chilling psychology behind nurses who kill.

    From Lucy Letby, the neonatal nurse who murdered in silence, to Charles Cullen, who left a body count across 16 hospitals—these killers didn’t wear masks. They wore name badges.

    We examine what drives a caregiver to cross the line from healer to harmer, how red flags were ignored, and whether the legal system is equipped to handle murder disguised as medicine. Are they misguided angels of mercy, convinced they’re ending suffering? Or cold-blooded predators exploiting access, authority, and the blind faith of their patients?

    Joining us is Shannon Casey, a legal nurse consultant who helps law firms uncover the truth behind suspicious deaths. She brings her clinical expertise to dissect the medical records and patterns left behind by these so-called caregivers turned killers.

    Together, we explore some of the darkest cases in medical history:
    • Lucy Letby – Neonatal killer with a chilling diary confession
    • Charles Cullen – The most prolific healthcare serial killer in U.S. history
    • Genene Jones – Created medical emergencies just to “save” her victims
    • Kristen Gilbert – Induced fatal heart attacks to play the hero
    • Beverley Allitt – Harmed children to feed a need for sympathy
    • Orville Lynn Majors – Said he hated old people… and then ensured they died
    • Jane Toppan – Admitted she “got pleasure” holding patients as they slipped away
    Peel back the sterile curtain of healthcare and uncover what happens when trust turns toxic—and compassion becomes a deadly disguise.

    Because sometimes, the most dangerous person in the room… is the one giving you care.



    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Killer Nurses
    02:56 The Case of Lucy Letby
    05:48 Psychological Profiles of Killer Nurses
    08:52 Methods and Motives Behind Nurse Killers
    12:03 The Role of Hospitals in Nurse Killings
    14:53 Historical Cases of Nurse Killers
    18:08 The Insanity Defense in Nursing Cases
    21:05 Cultural Issues in Healthcare and Accountability
    41:25 The Dilemma of Patient Safety vs. Employee Protection
    48:06 The Consequences of Inadequate Reporting in Healthcare
    51:00 The Case of Elizabeth Wetloffer: A Canadian Killer Nurse
    52:47 The Need for Psychological Evaluations in Healthcare
    59:18 The Impact of Stress and Liability on Healthcare Workers
    01:01:29 The Case of Beverley Allitt: Attention-Seeking Behavior in Nursing
    01:11:47 Understanding Fictitious Disorder and Its Implications


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.

    Book a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.

    Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational puposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.
    1 hr 17 min
  • 63 - A True Crime Survival Story
    Azadeh Atzberger’s life isn’t just a story of survival—it’s a war story. Born into chaos in wartime Iran, she fled as a refugee and endured sexual, physical, and emotional abuse that would’ve broken most people. To escape the relentless pain, she turned to food, drugs, and alcohol—numbing the past in the only way she knew how.

    But instead of letting her suffering define her, she fought back.

    Today, Azadeh is a globally recognized advocate for trauma recovery. Through her groundbreaking program, The 12 Steps for Narcissistic Abuse Recovery, she helps others escape the grip of abuse and addiction.

    Her journey echoes the insight of Viktor Frankl, the Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist who believed it’s not suffering that destroys us—it’s suffering without meaning. Azadeh is living proof that even in darkness, purpose can be found, and survival is only the beginning.

    This episode is a psychological exploration of trauma, resilience, and what it takes to reclaim a life stolen by abuse.

    We explore:
    • How Azadeh found meaning in her suffering—and how that shaped her survival
    • Her path to reclaiming control after war, abuse, and addiction
    • How The 12 Steps for Narcissistic Abuse Recovery became her purpose
    • What survivors can learn from her transformation
    Prepare for a gripping conversation that blends forensic psychology, true crime, and the raw truth of post-traumatic growth.

    🔗 Learn more about Azadeh and her work:
    • Website: https://finallyfreelife.com
    • Instagram: @breakfree_riseandbuild
    • Programs: 12 Steps for Narcissistic Abuse Recovery

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Killer Psychologist
    02:11 Survivor Stories: From Victim to Advocate
    03:45 Childhood Trauma: Growing Up in Violence
    06:04 Family Dynamics: The Impact of a Narcissistic Parent
    10:06 The Journey of Healing: Overcoming Addiction and Abuse
    12:11 Finding Meaning in Suffering: Lessons from Trauma
    14:08 The Importance of Deep Healing: Breaking the Cycle
    17:34 Defining Moments: Choosing to Heal or Return
    20:45 Creating a Support System: The Role of Community
    22:41 The 12 Steps for Narcissistic Abuse Recovery
    25:12 Cognitive Dissonance: Understanding the Mind's Tricks
    30:14 Emotional Boundaries: Protecting Yourself After Abuse
    37:58 Building Your Inner Home
    44:38 The Dangers of Dating in Vulnerability
    49:23 Confronting the Past: Healing from Abuse
    01:00:49 Emotional Intelligence and Resilience


    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.

    Book a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.

    Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational puposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.
    1 hr 8 min
  • 62 - Justice for Joshua Garbutt
    Joshua Garbutt’s death was preventable. He understood the dangers of opioid withdrawal and warned Trinity County Jail staff, "I will be withdrawing from fentanyl and had to go to the hospital last time I was here to receive Suboxone, so I won’t die." Despite this, the jail failed to initiate the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) protocol or transfer him to a hospital. Two and a half days later, after repeated pleas for help, Joshua was found dead in solitary confinement.

    Brian Townsend, retired DEA agent and founder of Only 2mg, joins the conversation to expose the deadly consequences of fentanyl withdrawal and the growing crisis inside U.S. jails. Joshua’s mother, Stacy Pohlmeyer, is fighting for justice, filing a lawsuit against Trinity County and demanding an independent investigation into his death. They examine the 55-page civil complaint, while exploring psychological autopsies, psychiatric acuity reviews, and critical steps to prevent future in-custody deaths.

    This marks the third in-custody death at Trinity County Jail in just two years. How many more lives will be lost to a system that ignores those in medical crisis?

    🔗 Learn More & Support #JusticeforJoshua:
    • News Coverage: https://krcrtv.com/news/local/lawsuit-alleges-trinity-county-left-man-to-die-in-solitary-confinement
    • Advocacy & Legal Action: https://krcrtv.com/news/local/mother-protests-on-anniversary-of-sons-death-in-trinity-county-jail
    • Fentanyl Awareness: https://www.only2mg.com
    This is an urgent conversation on accountability, policy failures, and the human cost of incarceration. Don't miss it.



    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/killer-psychologist--6020549/support.

    Book a forensic psychologist for your next legal case at www.psychologydr.com.

    Disclaimer: This podcast discusses real criminal cases involving trauma, violence, and psychological analysis for educational puposes only. Viewer discretion is advised. Content is not intended as clinical or legal advice.
    55 min

About Killer Psychologist

From the publisher's feed

Step inside the mind of a forensic psychologist. Dr. Dana Anderson breaks down high-stakes criminal cases with clinical precision — exposing deception, uncovering motive, and revealing how forensic…

More shows like Killer Psychologist

Criminal by Vox Media Podcast Network

Criminal

37,543 Listeners

Generation Why: True Crime by Audible Original

Generation Why: True Crime

17,243 Listeners

20/20 by ABC News

20/20

11,782 Listeners

48 Hours by 48 Hours

48 Hours

10,611 Listeners

Snapped: Women Who Murder by Oxygen

Snapped: Women Who Murder

5,195 Listeners

True Crime All The Time by Emash Digital

True Crime All The Time

13,752 Listeners

The Minds of Madness - True Crime Stories by Grip Tape

The Minds of Madness - True Crime Stories

6,657 Listeners

Killer Stories with Harvey Guillén by Spotify Studios

Killer Stories with Harvey Guillén

29,102 Listeners

Cold Case Files by A&E / PodcastOne

Cold Case Files

8,599 Listeners

Dateline NBC by NBC News

Dateline NBC

46,694 Listeners

Dark Downeast by Audiochuck

Dark Downeast

4,506 Listeners